DURHAM, NC Christie McDonald's goal with 29 second remaining in the first overtime lifted eighth-ranked Duke to a 1-0 victory over UNC Greensboro in women's soccer action Friday evening at Koskinen Stadium on the Duke campus.
Duke held a 10-3 shot advantage in the opening 45 minutes of play, but the Spartan defense stood tall, limiting the Blue Devils to only two shots on goal, leaving the score deadlocked at zero at the conclusion of the first stanza.
The Blue Devils nearly grabbed the early lead with just under five minutes remaining in the first half. Blue Devil midfielder Darby Kroyer cranked a shot from just outside the box, only to have Spartan midfielder Megan Kepley step in front of the ball, redirecting the ball backs towards midfield and out of harms way.
UNCG produced the first legitimate scoring chance of the second half just 10 minutes into the second period when Spartan midfielder Deven Beachum received a well-place through ball, resulting in a one on one with the Blue Devils keeper Allison Lipsher. Lipsher, however, made a diving save on the ball, denying Beachum and the Spartans their first goal of the season.
As the second half continued, the two teams trading scoring chances for the latter part of period with neither team able to capitalize on a scoring opportunity, sending the game into sudden death overtime. The Blue Devils once again outshot the visiting Spartans, posting a 7-4 shot advantage in the second stanza.
Less than one minute into the first overtime, Spartans' keeper Jennifer Stillman made an incredible save, keeping the game knotted at zero. The Randolph, NJ product recorded her fifth save of the game when she snared Carolyn Riggs' shot from just inside the Spartan 18.
McDonald connected on the game-winning goal when she netted her first goal of the young season. Duke freshman defender Kelly McCann sent the ball into the UNCG box where McDonald gathered the ball and sent a shot just passed the outstretched arms of the diving Stillman.
“I think it was a very good game for both teams,” head coach Eddie Radwanski said. “We went toe to toe with the eight-ranked team in the nation and we just ended up on the wrong side of the stick. Despite the loss there are many good things that lie ahead for us.”
The Spartans return to action next Friday for the season's home opener when the Spartans host Oregon State in the UNCG Soccer Classic. Game time is slated for 7:30 p.m.
AGATE
Goals by Period 1 2 OT
UNC Greensboro...0...0...0...- 0
Duke...................0...0...1...- 1
SCORING
DU McDonald (Tippetts, McCann), 99:31
SHOTS: DU 19, UNCG 7; SAVES: DU 3 (Lipsher 3), UNCG 5 (Stillman 5); CORNER KICKS: DU 5, UNCG 2. FOULS: DU 18, UNCG 10.
--UNCG--
